KAP surveys and malaria control in Vietnam: findings and cautions about community research
Anh, N.Quy.; Hung, L.Xuan.; Thuy, H.Ngoc.; Tuy, T.Quoc.; Caruana, S.R.; Biggs, B-Ann.; Morrow, M.
Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 36(3): 572-577
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-1562 PMID: 16124419 Document Number: 591060
The malaria disease burden is increasing in many countries despite the existence of effective preventative strategies and antimalarial drugs. An understanding of community perspectives and practices is one of the essential components of a successful malaria control programme. This paper reports on a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) survey among the Raglai ethnic minority population in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam, which in 2003 had one of the country's highest confirmed rates of malaria. We found high levels of correct knowledge about malaria's transmission and symptoms, and self-reports of adequate bed net usage and appropriate health-seeking behaviour. While the survey generated useful findings, an initial, qualitative investigation (eg, observation and focus group discussions) to explore the large numbers of potential influences on behaviour and exposure risk would have provided a more robust underpinning for the design of survey questions. This would have strengthened its validity and generated additional information. The adoption of rigorous, multi-disciplinary research methods offers the best chance of contributing to the development of successful malaria control programs and effective policies.